This Level 5, assessment-based qualification is designed for aspiring graduates seeking a career in PR and communication, or those already working in a junior role. Divided into two units, the course develops core PR and communication knowledge and skills, with a strong emphasis on ethical practice.

You will explore topics such as researching and developing communication plans, effective content creation and its influence on behaviour, and measuring the impact of communication activities. On completion, you will be equipped to plan, deliver and evaluate PR and communication activity across a range of channels.

If you are currently part way through the previous CIPR Professional PR Certificate, please be assured that your qualification remains credible and highly respected across the industry.

CIPR Public Relations and Communication Management Certificate
From £1060 +VAT

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Study Options and Start Dates

Virtual Classes

Face to Face

Distance Learning

The CIPR Certificate in Public Relations can be studied via either distance learning, virtual classes or face to face classes. If you choose to study via online distance learning, you can start at any time. If you choose virtual or face to face classes, there are various start dates throughout the year, January, April, July and October.

Next start date: 12th October

What’s Included

2 years of support to complete your course

Unlimited support access and personal tutor support

Interest-free payment options

Free Project Management course

Free Lunchtime Masterclass

What’s Involved

To gain the full CIPR Public Relations and Communication Management Certificate, you must complete two units – each of which comprises of three components.

Unit 1: Public Relations and Communication Planning and Evaluation

Some of the key topics this unit explores, includes:

  • how PR and communication is positioned in a societal context, paying attention to internal relationships, types of public relations, and its contribution to objectives.
  • the role of corporate communications, internal communications, investor relations, public affairs, and marketing communications – and the differences between them.
  • the relevant legal, ethical and regulatory requirements that impact public relations and communications practice, such as copyright, diversity and inclusion.

Unit 2: Communication and Content Management

This unit explores topics, such as:

  • how to create, adapt and manage effective communication.
  • how individuals and groups react to PR and communication activities in a global context.
  • examining concepts and theories, relating to PR and communication practice.
  • how technology developments have affected the balance between organisations, stakeholders and the public.
  • the creation of ethical and compelling content, storytelling, and content management.

During this unit, you are encouraged to draw on your own experience, alongside case study examples of campaigns and professional practice.

Download the 2026 CIPR Professional Certificate syllabus

The 2019 syllabus remains available to be enrolled on until 2 April 2026.

Distance Learning
From £1060 +VAT with 2 years of support

Virtual Classes
From £1290 +VAT with 2 years of support

Face to Face
From £1450 +VAT with 2 years of support

We provide payment plans to suit most students.

Please note: Prices do not include your CIPR registration fees (£81), CIPR membership fees (£160)  or assessment fees (£305 per unit).

We offer regular start dates throughout the year. Browse our upcoming timetables below.

Start monthTimetable
July 2026View the July 2026 timetable
October 2026View the October 2026 timetable
January 2027View the January 2027 timetable
April 2027View the April 2027 timetable
July 2027View the July 2027 timetable
October 2027View the October 2027 timetable

The CIPR Public Relations and Communication Management Certificate is designed for graduates looking to pursue a career in PR.

To undertake this qualification, you are required to have one of the following:

  • GCSE or A-Level qualification and have 1-2 years’ experience in a PR environment
  • Have completed the CIPR Level 3 Foundation or similar relevant qualification
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